Hotel Sheetal Porbandar

... he was with his wife. He rushed her over to us for an introduction, he seemed excited this time, excited we were meeting his wife. We talked for a while before continuing the walk down together, they were interested in how we felt about India and asked many questions. Then suddenly the man became even more excited, in the distance he'd spotted a photographer, one who will take your photo and then instantly print you a copy. Before we knew it we ...

... we walked up to them (well, onto the levy, they were in the water,), They started flying away! Janpal and Eric got some National Geo class pictures and movies. On the beach, though, we hit at low tide, when the water probably recedes about a mile the beach is so flat. We saw all kinds of life that would be at the bottom of the beach during high tide. There were Hermit Crabs, laying their trails in the sand, and the larger ghost crab, which is sand ...

... airport I was mistaken for a woman, and was asked to go to the ladies' line. It wasn't all that bad, because it was a million times shorter than the regular line. Poor Eric was the one elected to carry all the snacks, and the airport security took the juices that were sent by Mamiji, well, except one. After arrival, we went into Ahmedabad for a bit to see the famed silver bazaars. Actually, there was only one, but that was fine. We saw ...

... trying to stay stealth. I get another blow across my back and a Sadhu flies into a rage at me, I point to my baba friend hoping this will give me credence for being here but no, both of them argue and at this point I think my friend knows it is not a good place for me to be. Up ahead I see commotion with police lashing out with their batons showing absolutely no mercy for the people trying to get out of the way and with it a jeep about to exit through the masses of crowd ...

... of the earthquake that occured in this area in 2002. This makes teaching English and amusing them all the more satisfying but at the same time tough. This Christmas was most definately one to remember as we were surrounded by all the extra joy and spirit of these special kids. We got them a little Christmas tree with hand-made decorations, gave them some sweets and even fitted in a round of pass the parcel before bed ...

... before heading home to the poor but homely place we are staying with Jilly's family. HIGHLIGHT- visiting a slum in Bhavnager in a rickshaw whilst wondering at the gorgeous goats that roam free all over the place to be brought one of the animals in the shack we were in by a pretty but very poor little girl! Hope you're all well, good and gearing up for festive fun(-:We are a million miles from all that but every day feels like a celebration so far... XXX

... views but there are different aspects that make it so great. One of them is the friendliness of the people. I am constantly waving at people from all ages, whether riding through villages or on the road. I get treated like some Bollywood star as the reaction I get off people is like that of a famous person. You do get a few tourists in Gujarat but only in the main areas, so driving around rural areas I'm a novelty to all the onlookers. I can't help but be happy ...

... minutes we stopped, in the dim light of dawn. About ten feet from the vehicle was a lioness, sitting, watching nearby Spotted Deer, unconcerned with our presence. Slowly, the lion rose to her feet, looked at us with her golden eyes, and walked towards dense brush. We all felt very lucky to have seen one of the last Asiatic Lions. A few minutes later, we came across a large male, walking. The driver and guide took great care ...

Back on the dodgy buses we headed to the Safari Park at Sasan Gir to hunt down the last few remaining Asiatic Lions in the world. We were unsuccesful! Was it really worth the 10 hour journey...? Probably, we had great Palak Paneer (Spinach and cheese) curry to make up for the dissapointment!

... when i was hungry so had to eat and now its dark, but as ive already seen the fort and the church i can spend all day tomorrow on the beach. Gonna chill here for a few days then head to Ahmedabad for some accomadation and then down to Mumbai for the 29th of September where ill be meeting His Highness Ras Biggie The Bigger, "Big Swell" Moggers Mogridge and His Royal Runaway, Ras Ahmed "Alex" Dazeller Dalzell. Should be fun